Tensions Rise Within MAGA Movement Over Elon Musk

Monday 13 January 2025 - 10:05

Former adviser to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, has launched sharp criticism against Elon Musk, describing him as “truly evil” and vowing to ensure he is excluded from Trump’s incoming administration. This conflict underscores deepening divisions within the MAGA (Make America Great Again) populist movement.

In a recent interview with an Italian newspaper, Bannon stated his intent to prevent Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, from having influence in Trump’s administration. He remarked, “I made it my personal mission to take this guy down. Before, I tolerated him because of his financial contributions. That tolerance is over.”

Bannon also attacked Musk’s defense of the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. companies to recruit highly skilled foreign workers. He criticized Musk, a South African-born naturalized U.S. citizen, saying, “Why do we have South Africans commenting on American affairs?” These remarks align with a broader split within the MAGA movement over the role of foreign workers in the U.S. tech industry.

This internal conflict became more visible after Trump appointed an Indian American venture capitalist as an adviser on artificial intelligence, sparking backlash from some nationalist followers. Musk, who once held an H-1B visa himself, has been vocal in defending foreign workers in Silicon Valley, pledging to fight against such criticism.

While Trump previously restricted H-1B visa issuances, he has supported Musk’s stance, calling the program “great.” Despite Musk’s alignment with Trump on certain issues, Bannon accuses him of pursuing personal wealth and power at the expense of the American working class. He described Musk as having “the maturity of a little boy” and accused him of attempting to establish “global techno-feudalism.”

Musk, who frequently comments on current events through his social media platform, has not publicly responded to Bannon’s comments. However, his influence within Trump’s circle remains significant. Musk has been included in meetings with lawmakers and foreign leaders and has been appointed to co-lead an initiative aimed at government efficiency.

This feud highlights the ideological rift within the MAGA movement, with differing views on immigration, foreign labor, and the role of influential figures like Musk in shaping the movement’s direction.